State by State RV and Towing Laws

If you’re traveling between states, make sure you learn the towing laws of both states as laws can be quite different from one state to another. However, most states have very fluid towing laws and the laws are not enforced too stringently. There are a few general rules pertaining to trailers that carry higher weights that require breakaway switches that automatically engage in case the trailer disengages from the car. Other than that, there aren’t many laws absolutely set in stone because most laws are aimed only at truckers who drive large big rigs.

Brakebuddy: Brakebuddy offers an interactive map with a good guide to general towing laws, broken down by state.

Department of Transport: Has a list of general rules and regulations.

AA1Car: Has very good information on trailer brakes, which are very important for trailer safety.Trailer Towing Laws: Provides a list of things you should focus on when towing, like if your clearance lights work and if you have proper reflectors. They also explain how RV towing regulations work.

Rules of the Road: Has a quick list you can refer to if you just want to double check that you’ve got things set up right.

The United States Department of Transportation: Provides excellent tips on towing as well as a list of excellent safety tips for people who are towing. They also have information about measuring weight and other useful guidelines.

RVSafety: An organization devoted to the safety of people driving RVs.

Alaska Trailer Laws: Laws are very strict where trailers have to be titled and registered!

Arizona’s Towing Laws: Speed may not exceed 55 miles per hour and that the maximum weight before a breakaway switch is needed is 3,000 pounds. They also have information on boat donation for boaters.

California’s Towing Laws: When towing, one’s speed cannot be greater than 55 miles per hour and the requirement for a breakaway switch is a trailer weighing 1,500 pounds. However, the laws can be different if you’re towing a boat and not some other vehicle, so look that up too.

RVSafely: Has a very detailed list of road laws for every state that anyone driving an RV must follow.The California Department of Motor Vehicles: Guidelines on towing a trailer safely. You will also find pages on car donation in northern California on the site.

2004 Trailer Laws: Puts together a large chart divided by state that explains things like a state’s maximum towing speed, trailer length, trailer width, overall length, and the weight required for trailer brakes.

Worldwide RV: Has a list of informative towing laws. It also explains if you are allowed to triple-tow and explains how long the length of two vehicles combined can be.

Sherline: Has a great page on the basics of towing including the importance of figuring out your vehicle’s towing capacity so you don’t overload it.

TowingWorld: Provides information on towing laws by state.

RV and towing laws vary state to state, but it’s very important that you follow basic guidelines to ensure that you and everyone else on the road stay safe.